Motorists continue to flout phone laws

Figures out today (Thursday, 21 September) reveal that 9.2
million motorists admit to using their handheld phones behind
the wheel, despite tougher penalties for the offence which came into effect in
March. Our motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay,
reports.

Findings

The findings come just a week after a collation of
organisations, lead by road
safety charity Brake, wrote to Android, Microsoft and the GSMA (Groupe
Spéciale Mobile Association), urging them to include an ‘opt out’ driving mode
as standard across mobile handsets. The group has urged the industry to do more
following Apple’s release of its iOS 11 system update, which includes a ‘Do Not
Disturb While Driving’ mode that automatically detects when someone is driving
and prevents distracting calls, text messages and notifications.

Menace

Commenting on today’s figures, Jason Wakeford, Director
of Campaigns for Brake, the road safety charity, said: “The illegal use of
handheld mobile phones when driving is a growing menace and a major threat to
road safety. Research shows that using a phone at the wheel affects reaction
times as much as drink driving,
increasing the chances of a crash.”

Addiction

Wakeford added: “As a society, we have become addicted to
our mobiles, but a split second distraction caused by a call, text or
notification behind the wheel can be deadly. Drivers should always put
phones on silent and out of reach in the glove compartment. The mobile
phone industry must also play its part, including technology as standard which
helps keep drivers’attention
on the road, saving lives and preventing serious injuries.